Martinez proves to be capable of handling cleanup role

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DENVER – The decision to return J.D. Martinez to Class AAA Oklahoma City before spring training was complete looks even stranger nearly two months into the season.

Martinez was a late cut during exhibition play but has recently found a home as the Astros’ cleanup hitter. He’s held the position 12 times this season and entered Thursday 11-for-31 with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs since May 21.

The 25-year-old continues to be inconsistent. Martinez struck out five times in five at-bats Monday and dealt with an in-game benching earlier this year. But on a team lacking proven power hitters and run producers, the third-year player is one of the few game-changing bats on the 25-man roster.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a go-ahead RBI single Wednesday during the Astros’ 6-3 win against the Rockies. He led the Astros in RBIs (55) last season and has displayed a smoother, more confident approach at the plate since rejoining the club May 6.

“It goes back to him using the whole field. Guys that have the ability to drive in runs, when they get in trouble it’s because they’re basically trying to pull the ball to their pull field,” Astros manager Bo Porter said. “J.D. has done a great job of using the whole field, driving the ball the other way and taking what the opposition’s been giving him.”

Pitching plan being followed

The Rockies entered Thursday ranked fourth out of 30 teams in slugging percentage (.435), sixth in batting average (.267) and eighth in runs (251). Through the initial three games of their series against the Astros, though, Colorado was just 7-for-36 with runners in scoring position and had left 34 men on base while scoring just seven runs.

The Rockies’ poor clutch hitting and efficient outings by the Astros’ starters contributed to Colorado’s offensive slump. But Porter believed the Astros’ improved bullpen had played the biggest role. Relievers familiar with Rockies hitters’ tendencies had exploited holes by firing their best out pitch in crucial late-game situations.

“Our pitchers have done a great job of understanding the game plan and pitching to the game plan and making quality pitches,” Porter said.

He added: “(It’s) the catcher and the pitcher understanding the strengths of our guy on the mound and how we want to attack the guy in the batter’s box. And then having the wherewithal and the stuff to be able to do it.”

Astros update: The Astros entered Thursday 6-7 in their last 13 games. . Reliever Edgar Gonzalez was dealing with shoulder soreness. Marwin Gonzalez was still recovering from a strained right hamstring. The Astros are 3-3 against the Angels this season. . The Astros won’t face Angels ace Jered Weaver in the series and have yet to this season.

Angels update: Los Angeles had won nine of 11 entering a Thursday contest against the Dodgers. . The Angels were eighth out of 30 teams in slugging percentage (.425) but 25th in ERA (4.42) and opponents’ batting average (.265). . Right fielder Josh Hamilton (back) returned to action Wednesday during a 4-3 victory against the Dodgers. He was hitting .237 with an .823 OPS, eight home runs and 18 RBIs.